Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

Well, it's not like there are not. I found only 1 website selling micro usb to micro usb cables. But it seems they solder them themselves.

So why it is so difficult to get them?

share|improve this question
The micro USB spec (linked from here) specifies A (host side) and B (client/peripheral side) plugs, but only B receptacles (i.e. your phone) and "AB" receptacles. The latter are restricted to "On The Go" devices, defined as "A device with the host and peripheral capabilities". AFAICT, there's simply no need for these cables, as long as you don't want to plug your camera into your phone. Computers are prohibited from having micro USB ports AFAICT. (Just looked this up, so it might well be wrong). – Daniel Beck♦ Feb 1 at 22:54
This ought to change as more devices add support (notably the Nexus 4 said it would support USB OTG). But at the moment USB on mobile is really only available on Win8 tablets, which use fullsize USB anyway. – Marcus Chan Feb 1 at 22:58

3 Answers

up vote 3 down vote accepted

It is likely for the same reason that USB A-to-A cables aren't common: host devices should always use different connectors than slave devices. The reason is that serious damage to the USB controller is possible if you plug two ends of a USB A-to-A cable to two USB ports on a host device (like into your computer). It is against the spec for a reason.

A-to-A cables (or cables as you describe) should not exist according to the spec, simply put.

share|improve this answer
1  
Micro USB has both A and B plugs. – Daniel Beck♦ Feb 1 at 22:54
@DanielBeck It wasn't clear that the question was concerning micro USB A to micro USB B. I interpreted it as A to A. – Ben Richards Feb 1 at 23:01
up vote 2 down vote

My guess is, that devices with a Micro USB connector do not typically offer USB-Host functionality. So even if you were able to connect two devices with Micro USB ports, there would be no additional benefit/nothing to do with this connection.

But as I said, it is just a guess..

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/DISTRIBUTED-BY-MCM-HK-MUS14-/83-11872 Micro-A to Micro-B cables do exist for USB OTG. But I agree, it's very strange that they're so rare, though justified perhaps by the lack of uses for them at the moment (few microusb hosts, like the other answers point out.)

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.